Modi unmoved by IAF predicament: Modhwadia

Published: Thursday, September 20, 2007, 22:35 [IST]

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Gandhinagar, Sep 20 (UNI) Leader of the Opposition in the Gujarat assembly Arjun Modhwadia today flayed the government's decision of not providing 100 acres of land to the South West Air Command (SWAC) for relocation of its headquarters from Jodhpur in Rajasthan to Gandhinagar.

Addressing mediapersons here, Mr Modhwadia alleged that the state government has given prime land worth Rs 500 crore at throw away price of Rs 17.69 crore to Raheja Builders for setting up a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) at Gandhinagar. On the other hand, the same government had demanded Rs 491 crore for 100 acres of land from SWAC for relocation of its headquarters from Jodhpur in Rajasthan to Gandhinagar.

He said the land should in fact be allotted to the Indian Air Force (IAF) free of cost or at subsidised rate for setting up its headquarters and for provision of residential complex to soldiers.

Mr Modhwadia criticised the state government's action for cancelling the allotment as the Air Force did not pay the amount as demanded and said this was in stark contrast to the action of the Chief Minister towards his ''crorepati friends''.

He demanded that the Air Force be granted the land free of cost for a noble purpose. The land given to Raheja Builders should be taken back.

He alleged that Mr Modi was not concerned about facilities required for the soldiers and officers, while he loves to hobnob with his ''millionaire friends.'' Accusing Mr Modi of being corrupt, he said Rs 17.69 crore was charged for allotment of 95 acres of land whereas for a similar piece of land Rs 491 crore was demanded from the IAF.

The Chief Minister is guilty of breach of promise as his predecessor had promised the Air Force to allot the land free of cost or at subsidised rate in case SWAC decides to shift its headquarters from Jodhpur to Gandhinagar, Mr Modhwadia alleged.